A responsible source from the State Security Public Prosecution told the Emirates News Agency (WAM) that the Public Prosecution has concluded its investigations into the case related to an attempt to smuggle a quantity of military equipment to Port Sudan via the UAE. The accused are expected to be referred to trial, in line with the UAE's commitment to transparency and justice. The Attorney General of the Union had announced last April 30 that security services had thwarted an attempt to smuggle weapons and military equipment to Port Sudan illegally, and had arrested members of a cell involved in illegal trafficking in military equipment and money laundering. This included acts of brokerage, speculation, and the collection of commissions through covert means. The accused were apprehended while inspecting a large quantity of 62×54.7mm 'Giranov' caliber ammunition inside a private jet at one of the country's airports, in addition to seizing part of the proceeds of the financial deal from two of the accused. This was carried out under the supervision of the Public Prosecution and based on judicial warrants issued by the Attorney General for search and seizure. The investigations revealed the involvement of cell members in dealings with Sudanese military leaders, including officers, officials, politicians, and Sudanese businessmen, as well as individuals and companies listed on US and Interpol sanctions lists. It was clarified that the deals were requested by the Sudanese Army's Armaments Commission, chaired by Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and his deputy Yasser al-Ata, and coordinated by Osman al-Zubair, the financial official of Port Sudan. The Public Prosecution confirmed that other names will be announced later. The official stated that the investigation results revealed a surprise regarding the source of funding for the military deals for Port Sudan, and pointed to the availability of physical evidence, audio and visual recordings, mutual conversations between cell members, and documents related to the deals, including contracts, financial restrictions, and declarations that show the arrangement for execution and the transfer of funds. Technical reports also showed that part of the funding was channeled through one of the banks operating in the country.
